Relations between health and the environment: potential impacts resulting from the disruption of tailings dams – a literature review in the cases of Mariana and Brumadinho, MG

Abstract

Mining can result in adverse impacts on natural ecosystems and human health. Considering the serious disruptions that occurred recently in Brazil (Mariana and Brumadinho municipalities, in the State of Minas Gerais), and the relationship between health and the environment, the present study aimed to identify, by a bibliographic review, the impacts induced by mining waste on human health and ecosystems. Environmental impacts affected the ecosystem's natural metabolism and functioning due to the environmental compartments’ contamination and the damage to biodiversity. Concerning human health, the risks of intoxication, damage to mental health, worsening of existing diseases, arboviruses, and zoonoses were evident. The findings can contribute to the establishment of strategies and public policy formulations to reverse the found scenario.